Kim Butts, M.D.

Dr. Butts is a firm believer that “it’s easier to prevent a problem than to fix one”. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska, home of the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo. She attained an undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and completed her medical training through the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She was previously a mortgage processor and, if she couldn’t be a physician, would work in finance. She enjoys painting, doing puzzles, and spending time with her 15-year-old son, DeAndre, especially when she gets to watch him play football. One goal on her “bucket list” is to go skydiving, during which she will likely be uttering her favorite saying “let go and let God”. Dr. Butts chose to go into Family Medicine because she likes working with patients across the lifespan. She looks forward to her OB-GYN rotation because she would eventually like to specialize in women’s health. After she graduates Dr. Butts plans to work in a rural community in Western Nebraska.

Alyssa Finck, D.O.

Dr. Finck can be described as a very genuine, hard-working person. She was born in Falls City, Nebraska, home of artist John Falter (known for creating many of the covers for the Saturday Evening Post). Dr. Finck majored in Biology at Nebraska Wesleyan University and completed her medical training at at the Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences. If she wasn’t a physician, she would likely be an elementary school teacher or nurse. Her special talents include slalom skiing and being extremely organized. Dr. Finck loves chocolate (total chocoholic!), but also enjoys listening to Eric Church, water-skiing, reading, and spending time with her husband, Cliff, and dog, Bandit. The craziest thing she has ever done was jump off a waterfall in Jamaica. Dr. Finck chose family medicine because she loves to work with a wide variety of people & conditions, as well as form long-lasting relationships with her patients. She has a special heart for work with obstetric patients because “it is such an incredible experience to help bring a new life into the world”. After she completes residency she would like to return to her hometown to practice full-scope family medicine.

Kelli Garwood, M.D.

Dr. Garwood grew up on a ranch near Atkinson, Nebraska. She majored in Exercise Science and minored in Piano, Chemistry, and Health Science at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She went on to earn her MD from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Garwood describes herself as “dedicated,” and one of her favorite sayings is by Abe Lincoln: “Whatever you are, be a good one." She enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and traveling to new places. Dr. Garwood chose to specialize in family medicine because she feels that the places that need a doctor the most need someone who can see a variety of ages and conditions. She would like to someday spend time practicing medicine in a foreign country.

Katie Thelen, D.O.

Dr. Thelen was born in Wood River, Nebraska and could be described as both a tomboy and a girly girl. She majored in Biology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and continues to be a big Husker football fan. Dr. Thelen completed her medical training at the Kansas City University of Medicine & Bioscience, one of the oldest osteopathic schools in the country. She enjoys jet skiing, watching the Big Bang Theory, eating donuts, and all things Christmas. Some of her special talents include playing the saxophone and fishing (fish love her). On her days off you’ll find her at the lake listening to “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by the Beach Boys. One thing she’d like to do someday is visit Greece with her husband, Dr. Zach Egger. If Dr. Thelen wasn’t a physician she would be a wedding planner. She has a strong interest in preventative care and diet/exercise counseling. After she graduates Dr. Thelen would like to have children, practice medicine in a rural community, and continue to maintain her family’s cattle herd.

Zach Egger, D.O.

Hey sports fans—meet Dr. Egger! Basketball, football, soccer, golf, baseball, running, and fishing are just some of the athletic interests he enjoys. Dr. Egger was born in Wood River, Nebraska, the hometown of former Husker Scott Frost. As a child he dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player, but instead chose to study Exercise Science at Nebraska Weslyan University. He went on to complete his medical training at the Kansas City University of Medicine & Bioscience. Dr. Egger is happiest when he is outside and active. He likes eating his favorite meal (a tasty steak & ice cold Arnold Palmer) with his favorite person (wife and best friend, Katie Thelen). One thing Dr. Egger would like to do in his life is go cage diving with great white sharks! He is looking forward to his OB-GYN rotation and plans to practice in a rural Nebraska community after he graduates. One piece of advice he’d like to share with his patients is “Stay as active as possible for as long as possible. Also, be active in your healthcare”.

Tom Fischer, M.D.

Dr. Fischer was born the youngest of three brothers in Sturgis, South Dakota, home of the infamous motorcycle rally. He graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the University of South Dakota and completed his medical training at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. One of his fond memories from medical school is feeding buffalo by hand on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Dr. Fischer enjoys golfing, biking, music, technology, and spending time with friends & family. His favorite saying is “there’s always room for dessert” and his favorite food is cake, any kind of cake. Fun facts about Dr. Fischer: he can ride a unicycle (poorly) and as a child he dreamed of growing up to drive a street sweeper. One thing on his “bucket list” is to travel to every continent. On his days off Dr. Fischer likes to sleep in, kick back in his recliner with a cup of coffee, and binge-watch shows on Netflix. He has a strong desire to help others and chose to go into family medicine because he enjoys the variety and complexity of this specialty.

Adam Rensch, MD

In medical school Dr. Rensch once received an official evaluation from a standardized patient who commented on his “sparkly eyes that communicate happiness”. Indeed, he could be described as quite the jovial guy. Dr. Rensch was born in Omaha, Nebraska and earned his undergraduate degree in Biology and Spanish from Creighton University. He attended medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Something interesting to know about Dr. Rensch is that he is the younger in a set of twins and is married to another youngest twin! In his free time he enjoys photography, soccer, hiking, and spending time with his wife and young son. When asked about his favorite thing to do on his day off, the answer is simple: “brunch” (good food and good company make him really happy). Dr. Rensch looks forward to being a family medicine physician because he likes to develop in-depth relationships with his patients and community. After residency he plans to be a doctor and stay-at-home dad in a rural Midwestern town.

Brett Wergin, M.D.

Dr. Wergin was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, home of the National Roller Skating Museum (which he’s never been to—what?!). He completed his undergraduate studies in Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkley and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Wergin is a friendly guy who enjoys traveling, running, eating cookie dough, being outside, and singing karaoke. He has great taste in music, with some of his favorite bands including Radiohead, Sigur Ros, and Hall & Oats. As a child he wanted to be a CIA agent, but today, if he couldn’t be a physician, he would settle for work as a soap opera actor. The smartest thing Dr. Wergin ever did was become a part of Lincoln Family Medicine Program. He chose to go into family medicine so he can develop long-term, positive relationships with his patients. He has a special interest in behavioral health and likes to attend to his patient’s mental & emotional wellness. If he could give his patients one piece of good advice is would be to exercise and eat healthier than he does!